Academy defender Kevin Stewart admits the entire U21s squad is relishing the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of the Kop when the young Reds host Southampton at Anfield on Thursday night.

After playing on the hallowed turf for the first time against Manchester United on August 22, the 20-year-old, who arrived from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, is eager for another chance.

Michael Beale's team have been without a game for three weeks since their last outing against Manchester City - a pulsating 4-3 defeat - and Stewart admits the players can't wait to get back out on the pitch again.

"I'm really excited to get another chance to play at Anfield," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "We've been waiting for a game for more than three weeks now and everyone is hungry and eager to impress.

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"Playing at Anfield benefits us a lot, and it's great to play in front of the Kop. It's a really good step for us to hopefully one day get the chance to play at Anfield [for the first team]."

After departing Spurs' Academy in the summer, Stewart was delighted to be afforded a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sign for his boyhood heroes when Liverpool came calling for his services.

"When I left Tottenham I found out I had the opportunity to come to Liverpool and I just couldn't turn down the team I supported as a boy," he said.

"It only really sunk in for me when I went to Melwood for the first time and I was training alongside people like Steven Gerrard, who I had grown up watching on TV.

"I was a bit nervous at first because I knew how well they played last season and how sharp they were, and I had to adapt to a high standard quickly. I'm really enjoying it. I've settled in really quickly and the lads have made it really enjoyable for me."

So far this season Stewart has shown his versatility by operating at full-back - left and right - and at centre-half. When prompted as to which position he prefers, the youngster replied: "I would probably say full-back is more suitable for me.

"I have a little disadvantage as I'm not as physical as someone like Martin Skrtel, so full-back is my best position, but I will play anywhere the manager wants me to play."